WWE star Bray Wyatt’s death rattled the wrestling community. Now, fans and friends know how he died.

The 36-year-old former champion (real name: Windham Rotunda) died on Thursday (Aug. 24). Former WWE wrestler and chief content officer Triple H (Paul Levesque) announced the news on social media, saying that Wyatt’s father — Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda — had called him.

“Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time,” Triple H writes.

Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda – also known as Bray Wyatt – unexpectedly passed earlier today. Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their…

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 24, 2023

Wyatt was a third-generation wrestler from central Florida. In addition to his father, two uncles wrestled, and his grandfather was Blackjack Mulligan, a popular wrestler in the 1970s and 1980s. Brother Taylor Rotunda also wrestles professionally as Bo Dallas.

Fightful.com wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp revealed that the family had given him permission to share Wyatt’s cause of death.

Im heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.
Very unique, cool and rare character, which is hard to create in our crazy… pic.twitter.com/i9zlbJIOL3

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2023

How Did Bray Wyatt Die?

Sapp’s account matches what WWE fans witnessed in 2023, when Wyatt disappeared from television in February. He had contracted COVID-19, and that exacerbated a heart issue.

“There was a lot of positive progress towards a return and his recovery,” Sapp tweets. “Unfortunately today he suffered a heart attack and passed away.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was among the many wrestling stars to mourn Wyatt’s death. It came just two days after the death of another legend, Terry Funk.

Devastated by the news of the passing of Windham Rotunda. My heart goes out to the entire Rotunda family. Windham brought the best out of me in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for the moments we shared. A sad day for all those he reached around the world. RIP.

— John Cena (@JohnCena) August 25, 2023

During an interview soon after Wyatt’s death, Paul “Big Show” Wight recalled his friend’s smile, laugh and kindness whenever they’d come together.

“Just the positive energy he created around him was so special, so neat,” Wight tells reporter Denise Salcedo. “It doesn’t feel real right now.”

When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt! pic.twitter.com/U2FpzeibmY

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 24, 2023

Wyatt’s career took off in 2014, and over the next five years, he’d become known as one of the sport’s best performers. He’d gone by several names prior to then, but settled on Wyatt, a charming cult leader from the swamps. In interviews, he’d often say that if anyone wanted him, they should just “follow the buzzards” flying above bodies left in his wake.

In 2019, he’d become The Fiend, a scary clown-like character that was nearly unbeatable. Two years later, he’d be released by WWE, but in 2022, he returned as Wyatt. This time he was a protagonist haunted by his dark alter-egos. His final match was a Royal Rumble in January.

Rotunda was engaged to WWE announcer JoJo (Offerman), and together they had two children. He also had two children with his first wife, Samantha.